BMW have announced that newly formed BMW Team MTEK will join BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG in running two BMW M3 DTM’s in the 2013 DTM.
Having returned to the series after a 20 year absence at the start of the 2012 campaign, BMW’s return has seen them secure three victories in eight races, three pole positions, nine outright podiums and 247 points in the Manufacturers Championship.
The announcement that the Manufacturer will expand to eight cars means that they will start the 2013 campaign on an equal footing to rivals Audi and Mercedes.
Taking the reins of the BMW Team MTEK squad is Dutchman Ernest Knoors, and the team will be based near to Munich in Garching. With the expansion plans being approved, BMW Team MTEK can start the build up process.
“I’m really looking forward to my new task: to guide BMW Team MTEK to DTM success,” said Knoors, who most recently has been working with Ferrari as Head of customer powertrain support in Formula One.
“Over the course of my career I have experienced most forms of motor racing, and I know the high level of operation in the DTM. BMW Motorsport is currently contesting a fantastic debut season.
“We are also set to have our share in giving the BMW fans reason to celebrate regularly in 2013. It’s obvious there will be a lot for us to learn as a new team. I’m convinced we will have a steep learning curve. The current 2012 season has given impressive proof of the general competitiveness of the BMW M3 DTM,” concluded Knoors.
For BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the idea to return with six cars over three teams was the right decision after securing strong results throughout the season.
“Our concept of running three teams on equal footing has proven to be ideal for our debut season; the very good results are confirming our decision to continue along the lines of equality across all the teams,” explains Marquardt.
“Establishing the fourth team is another important step as we look to guarantee that BMW remains competitive over the coming years. Our competitors are already running eight cars this season. Greater strength across the board is definitely an advantage in a fiercely-competitive series like the DTM.
“The new BMW Team MTEK means we are able to bridge this gap. The location on the outskirts of Munich allows BMW Motorsport to cooperate effectively with Ernest Knoors’ team. We are confident the synergies and efficiency gained will take the overall level of our DTM project to a new level,” concludes Marquardt.
The ninth weekend of the 2012 DTM takes place in Spain at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia over the 29/30 September.